Mr Zedler, small sensors and mobile applications promise safety in cycle traffic. Where do you see already sensible approaches for safer cycling today?
There are two issues most cyclists worry about: Safety in traffic and theft protection. Truck turning accidents, left-turning oncoming traffic and rear-end collisions can be avoided through connectivity. When vehicles are connected, drivers of potentially dangerous vehicles can be warned directly, e.g. by a sound and light signal. Bicycle theft becomes less attractive when the location of the bicycle can be tracked at all times. Such sensors are already available. When used for sports, especially mountain bikers are at risk of falling when riding alone. If something happens and no one happens to pass by, this can end in tragedy. Sensors perceive falls and can set off the alarm.
To which technical road safety assistance should dealers reasonably draw the attention of their customers?
Cyclists are one of the most vulnerable groups in road traffic because of their narrow silhouette. In addition, nearly all (motor) vehicles have permanent lights, only bicycles are equipped with them very rarely. Therefore, daytime running lights should be standard or retrofitted on electric bikes, trekking and city bikes. There are also nice lighting solutions with rechargeable batteries for sports bikes available as accessories. When buying a helmet, models with a crash sensor and alarm module should be taken into account. This safety feature can also be retrofitted.
What role does new technology play in the safety issue of light?
For little money already there are small battery rear lights in which acceleration sensors perceive braking processes and a light shines brightly. In combination with navigation devices, the premium components are so far advanced that they perceive vehicles approaching from behind and switch on the lights.
Do you expect safety systems such as antilocking systems to become widespread on bicycles soon?
A lot of bicycle accidents could be avoided when cyclists were able to brake optimally. Antilocking systems would also be the solution for bicycle accidents in which the rider overbrakes at the front and overturns. Hopefully the new, smaller generation will achieve much better market penetration than the first, clunky version. At some point, antilocking systems will be standard, at least for e-bikes.
The interview was held by Tim Fahrin
